Up to 90% off the usual price—this is what empty leg flights offer. These one-way trips fly even if no one books them. So, you can enjoy flying private without spending too much.
This guide will help you find these deals. It uses real operator calendars, like Chartright’s in North America and European last minute charter flights. You get the same quality and service as regular charters, but much cheaper.
It also shows how to get last minute deals. You’ll learn about prices that drop as the flight gets closer. And, you’ll see how to find flights that fit your needs, whether for a quick trip or a weekend getaway.
Empty leg flights can pop up quickly and disappear just as fast, so having access to a reliable marketplace is key. Platforms like Villiers Jets let you check availability instantly, which is the easiest way to catch a bargain.
Table of Contents
What You Should Remember
- Empty leg flights are repositioning segments that can deliver discounts up to 90% versus standard charters.
- You can fly private cheap while enjoying the same crew, cabin, and safety standards as full-price trips.
- Prices often fall closer to departure, creating compelling last minute private jet deals.
- Routes are fixed by the original one-way charter, so flexibility is essential.
- Operator calendars and alerts make it easier to track and book private jet empty leg flights.
- Cheap charter flights vary by aircraft class, distance, timing, and market demand.
What Are Empty Legs and Why They’re So Cheap
In private aviation, empty legs are flights an operator must fly whether or not seats are sold. After a one-way charter, the jet often returns to base or heads to its next mission. Travelers can step in and book that same aircraft at a steep discount, turning a logistical necessity into value.
Definition: Private jet return flights flying without passengers
These are private plane empty legs created when a client books a one-way journey. The jet’s next leg is scheduled, but the cabin is empty. Operators prefer to offset costs, so they sell private jet return flights cheap while keeping the route set by the original trip.
Chartright and GlobeAir both describe this model clearly: the flight already exists for operational reasons, and guests can book it as an empty leg private jet opportunity. For a concise primer, see this overview on empty leg jet flights.
Repositioning and ferry flights that create discounted private jet flights
When a jet must move to another airport for its next pickup, operators schedule private jet ferry flights. These repositioning segments are the backbone of discounted offers. Because timing and destination are fixed, the fare drops while the aircraft quality remains high.
In practice, this is also how to find empty flights that align with flexible travel plans: watch a route, accept the set city pair, and secure the rate before it’s taken or the operator redeploys the aircraft.
Same aircraft, crew, and amenities as standard charters—at a fraction of the cost
Guests board the same jet type with the same crew used on full-price charters. Expect lounge access, swift private terminals, and bespoke touches, subject to availability. The only trade-off is flexibility.
- Value: private jet return flights cheap due to preplanned positioning.
- Parity: identical cabin, safety standards, and service level.
- Reality: routes and times are fixed; availability is last minute.
For travelers who can move quickly, private plane empty legs and private jet ferry flights deliver rare pricing power without sacrificing comfort. With a flexible mindset, it’s straightforward to book an empty leg private jet and enjoy the same experience—only the schedule is set, not the standards.
Real-World Price Examples and Routes You Can Book
Travelers can find cheap private flights without losing comfort or speed. Prices are for the whole plane, but sometimes, seats become available last minute. For more on private jet costs, check out this guide on private jet pricing benchmarks.
Canada and U.S. corridors: Toronto–Teterboro from about $6,900 CAD on a Citation Ultra
Flights between Canada and the U.S. often have empty seats when planes move for business. For example, Toronto–Teterboro costs about $6,900 CAD on a Cessna Citation Ultra. White Plains–Toronto on a Challenger 350 is around $8,350 CAD. These flights are quick, nonstop, and use executive terminals for less taxi time.
Short hops under an hour: Windsor–Kitchener from about $3,800 CAD on a Citation XLS+
Very short flights can be even cheaper. A Windsor–Kitchener flight on a Cessna Citation XLS+ costs about $3,800 CAD for eight people. Ottawa–Toronto flights also pop up last minute, perfect for groups needing fast, direct travel.
Transborder and sun routes: Toronto–Nassau from about $23,700 CAD on a Challenger 300
Leisure flights offer good deals when planes move south. A Toronto–Nassau flight on a Bombardier Challenger 300 costs about $23,700 CAD. It’s a 2 hours 40 minutes flight. Seasonal changes also bring deals like Toronto–Dallas–Fort Worth and Toronto–Cabo, saving thousands compared to regular prices.
European last minute charter flights: Paris–Zurich from €1,410, Ibiza–Girona from €990
Empty leg flights in Europe can drop prices sharply as the flight nears. GlobeAir offers Paris–Zurich for €1,410 and Ibiza–Girona for €990 on light jets. Many listings show the chance of the flight happening; when it does, the savings are huge.
How distance, aircraft class, and timing impact cheap private jet flights
Prices depend on distance, aircraft type, and when you book. Short flights on smaller jets are cheapest. Larger jets cost more but offer more space. As schedules fill up, empty seats become available, often within 24–72 hours. Picking the right time is key to finding affordable flights in North America and Europe.
Empty leg flights
Travelers look for these special flights on an empty leg calendar and get alerts. The best way to find them is to get daily updates and act fast when a flight matches your schedule.
How to find empty leg flights using operator calendars and alerts
Chartright has a live list of empty legs with prices and details. You can sign up for daily emails or call its team at [email protected] or 1-800-595-9395 ext. 220. GlobeAir in Europe has a mobile app that updates its Empty Legs calendar automatically.
Look for chances to get spare seats on private planes. These deals can save money on short trips.
Understanding “last minute jet charter” dynamics and probability listings
GlobeAir shows the status of flights, like “Flight not confirmed yet” with a chance of happening. These updates show the challenges of last-minute charters, like finding crew and slots.
Knowing the chances helps plan better. But, it’s smart to have backup plans and keep checking the empty leg calendar.
Why routes are fixed by the original one-way charter
Empty leg routes are set by the first client’s trip. Chartright says the destination and time are fixed, so travelers need to match their plans to these.
Travelers should match dates and airports first, then choose the cabin size. Spare seats can offer flexibility, but the route is set by the original plan.
Where to Search: Calendars, Apps, and Brokers
Looking for deals on empty leg jet flights means using sources that update quickly. Travelers check operator calendars, apps, and brokers to find private jet flights. They look for clear details and timing.
Operator calendars with dynamic pricing and “empty leg calendar” subscriptions
Start with operator sites that show live empty legs and prices. Chartright lists routes in Canada and the U.S. with CAD prices. It also offers instant inquiries for comparing flights.
GlobeAir has a calendar feed for subscribers. It shows changes in availability and price quickly. This helps find private jet flights fast.
These calendars help match schedules and cabin sizes. They also show cheap flights when they become available. Checking often increases chances of finding deals.
Air charter brokers and brands: roles, disclosures, and licensed carriers
Brokers offer more options than a single operator. XO Global LLC is a U.S.-based broker. It doesn’t own planes but arranges flights with licensed carriers.
This model is clear about who flies you. Brokers find deals and negotiate rates. It’s good when you’re flexible with your travel plans.
Alert strategies for jet last minute deals in the United States and Europe
Use alerts for price drops and changes. Subscribe to Chartright’s daily emails and add GlobeAir’s calendar to your phone. Look for listings with departure chances.
With alerts, you can book fast when deals appear. This way, you get good deals without sacrificing quality.
How Pricing Works on Empty Legs
Empty-leg fares change quickly, making it a good deal for those who can be flexible. Operators use special tools to lower prices as the flight gets closer. This means you can find cheap flights on fixed routes if you act fast.
GlobeAir says prices can drop a lot just before takeoff, with big cuts on popular European routes. In North America, Chartright shows whole-aircraft prices per leg. This shows most deals are for the whole plane, not just seats.
Dynamic and logarithmic pricing: cheaper as departure approaches
Prices often go down as the flight gets closer, in a curve, not a straight line. Booking two days early might cost more, but booking on the day can be much cheaper. This is when you can find great deals on private flights.
Entire aircraft vs. spare seats on private jets—what you’re actually buying
Most empty legs are for the whole plane, ready to go, not just seats. Some sites offer seat-only deals, but most are for the whole plane. This can be cheaper for groups, like on light jets.
Typical discounts up to 90% versus regular cheap charter flights
When the timing is right, you can save up to 90% on flights. In Europe, short flights can have huge discounts. In Canada and the U.S., prices vary by distance and type of jet. The best deals are when you can be flexible and catch a last-minute offer.
Best Times, Routes, and Airports for Deals
Elite travelers find better deals when they fly at the right time. The best deals are on routes with lots of business traffic. This includes city pairs and seasonal routes that have a lot of flights.
High-frequency city pairs: Toronto–Montréal, Toronto–New York (KTEB/KHPN)
The Toronto–Montréal route has a lot of flights, making it a great spot for deals. Chartright often has Bombardier Challenger 300, 350, and 604 flights here. These are fast and perfect for last-minute trips.
Flights between Toronto and New York, at Teterboro (KTEB) and White Plains (KHPN), are also good. These are often empty leg flights when plans change.
Seasonal flows: Canada–Florida, Bahamas, and U.S. West Coast repositioning
Winter is when people head south, leading to cheaper flights. Toronto–Nassau on a Challenger 300 is a good example. Canada–Florida flights also get busier during holidays and spring breaks.
On the West Coast, flights from Calgary to Vancouver and to Palm Springs are common. These are on Challenger 300 and Dassault Falcon 2000LX jets. Keeping an eye on these routes can lead to good deals.
Empty leg flights Europe: business hubs and leisure hotspots like Nice and Olbia
In Europe, GlobeAir offers empty leg flights in Paris, Zurich, Milan, and Geneva. These cities are busy during the week.
Flights to Nice, Olbia, Ibiza, and Deauville are busier on weekends and holidays. Watching these airports during peak times can help find good deals.
Booking Steps: From Finding to Confirming Your Flight
Start by looking at sources that show real-time availability. Then, quickly secure the price. This approach makes booking empty leg flights easy and ensures the flight is safe and suitable for your group.
Subscribe to empty leg alerts and monitor last minute private jet deals
Sign up for updates from operators and keep an empty leg calendar on your phone. Chartright sends daily emails and has a live board. GlobeAir lets you sync its Empty Legs to your mobile for updates. These steps help you find empty leg flights fast and grab last minute deals before they’re gone.
Match your dates to fixed routes; confirm aircraft type and passenger capacity
Empty legs follow the original charter route. Make sure your dates match. Check the flight’s duration and stops. Also, confirm the aircraft’s size and class. This ensures a smooth booking process.
Contact sales teams or brokers to lock in discounted private jet flights
Reach out to hold the flight. Contact Chartright’s sales desk at [email protected] or 1-800-595-9395 ext. 220 for North American routes. Brokers like XO Global LLC can also help. Quick action is key to securing deals that change hourly.
Payment, terms, and what “flight not confirmed yet” probabilities mean
Check fare rules and airport times before paying. GlobeAir shows “Flight not confirmed yet” with a probability. Higher numbers mean it’s more likely to happen. Confirmation usually comes after payment, but small changes can happen. Keep your empty leg calendar updated to stay informed.
What to Expect Onboard and Important Limitations
Empty legs offer a high-end cabin and a professional crew, just like a regular charter. Those flying cheap private jets get top-notch finishes, quick ground handling, and quiet service. Arrive ready for fast turnarounds and brief service.
Luxury experience parity: amenities, pets allowed, and 15-minute boarding claims
Chartright says empty legs are as comfortable as regular charters, with leather seats and a quiet cabin. GlobeAir offers dedicated support, 24/7 help, and frequent-flyer benefits. Boarding is usually quick, in about 15 minutes.
Many welcome pets, but check crate types, cleaning fees, and seat rules, even for last-minute bookings.
Mostly, you’ll book the whole plane, not just a seat. Check the plane’s capacity, usually 7 to 14 people, to ensure your group fits. This way, you enjoy cheap private jet flights without sacrificing comfort.
Flexibility required: schedule shifts, route changes, and airport alterations
Empty leg schedules are tied to the original client’s plans. GlobeAir warns that these can change by the hour. Listings might say “flight not confirmed yet,” showing the schedule’s fluidity.
Routes are fixed by the original charter, so no detours or airport changes. For a smooth experience, keep plans flexible, accept minor delays, and adapt to last-minute changes.
Baggage, catering, and service differences versus bespoke itineraries
Baggage limits depend on the plane and its balance needs. Cabin layouts affect what you can bring, like ski bags or pets. Catering is basic, with snacks and premium drinks, but not as extensive as custom charters.
Know what service you’ll get before booking: Wi-Fi, special diets, and bar options vary. This helps set the right expectations, whether you’re booking a seat or the whole plane.
Final Thoughts on Empty Leg Flights
Empty leg flights offer a chance to fly in luxury at a lower cost. In Europe, you can save up to 90%. In North America, there are big discounts too.
Companies like Chartright and GlobeAir have great deals. For example, you can fly from Toronto to Montréal in under an hour. Or, go from Paris to Zurich for as low as €990.
Traveling private without breaking the bank is possible. It’s all about finding the right deals.
To find these deals, you need to be quick. Sign up for alerts and check schedules often. This way, you can grab a good price before it’s gone.
Brokers like Villiers or XO Global LLC can help you find these deals. They make sure the flights are safe and reliable.
When you fly private, you get top-notch service. You’ll have a personal concierge and fast boarding. Even pets can join in on the fun.
But, be flexible. Changes can happen, and airports might shift. For those who love luxury, empty leg flights are a smart choice.
With the right approach, flying private can be affordable. Keep an eye on schedules and act fast. This way, you can enjoy luxury flights without spending too much.
